From John Thaxter

[dateline] Leyden 16th. Feby. 1781

[salute] Sir

Your favour of yesterday was recieved this morning. I am never more happy than in
hearing, that things are in a good State in our Country, and that the People are in
good Spirits, and bent on War. Those “Pauses and Stops” mentioned in yours of the
12th.1 would be very injurious to Us, and that Species of “Circumspection,” our Destruction.
Every body here talks of Peace—it is not the Doctrine of the British Cabinet, and
perhaps not the most wholesome one here. It is not however my business to say so.
No Letters of Marque and Reprisals being as yet granted, gives Room to Suspicions
that Propositions are on the Carpet. Americans know very well what British Propositions,
Conciliation and amicable Conferences mean—mere Pauses for Breath. Whether they are
to be of the same Nature towards this Country, may be easily determined from the profitable
War they at present carry on against it.

Mr. Dana does not mention that he had wrote to You, nor does he { 150 } write any News. He wishes that Stephens may enquire at the Post Office, whether there
are any Letters for him—he says there are two for him from America somewhere, but
he cannot find them—he is very anxious to get them.

There is an English East India Man ashore at Catwich valued at Million—the Governor
of Madrass was on board—the Prisoners are taken good Care of I have heard, being under
a strong Guard.2

The young Gentlemen are very well and desire their Duty to You.

[salute] I have the Honour to be, with the most perfect Respect, Sir, your very humble Servt.

2. The East Indiaman General Barker went aground on the morning of 16 Feb. between Noordwijk and Zandvoort, two or three
leagues northwest of Leyden. The vessel, valued at £200,000, was carrying Sir Thomas
Rumbold, former governor of Madras (Gazette de Leyde, 20 Feb.; London Chronicle, 20–22, 22–24, 24–27 Feb.).

Docno: ADMS-06-11-02-0102

Author: Jenings, Edmund

Recipient: Adams, John

Date: 1781-02-18

From Edmund Jenings

[dateline] Brussels Febry. 18. 1781

[salute] Sir

I sit down to acknowledge the Receipt of your Excellencys two Letters; one by the
Post this day and the other by the preceding Mail.1 The New periodical Work, which I received this day is exceedingly well written and
will I doubt not by your Excellencys Assistance and direction be soon turned to the
Essential Service of our Country. L'Avocat Calkoens Defence of the Magistrates of
Amsterdam is unanswerable, and in particular that part of it, that regards the Conduct
of that City at the Time of the Revolution, ought to put to Silence and to Shame the
Family, who had otherways remaind Simple Electors of Hanover. Is it not, Sir surprizing
that He who calls Himself the Guarrantee of the belgic Constitution is so shamefully
ignorant of it, and that He should have the Assurance to propose that the Body at
large should leave any part to feel the Effects of his Malice and Fury?2

But there is one part of L'Avocat Calkoens Performance, which fixt my attention, and
I must confess gave me some Uneasiness, as I am assured it will some time or other
give your Excellency no small Trouble.

The Impression, which the Extent, Activity and force of America has given to the Europeans
seems to inspire them with a kind of { 151 } dread or at least Jealousy of what it may one day become, and how much Europe in general
may be effected by its increasing power and Grandeur. I have had this frequently objected
to me by shallow Politicians, who have endeavoured to shew their Wit by a pretended
foresight into things. I have told them in general that whatever greatness America
may arrive at in the Course of Time, there is no present Cause of Fear. That so long
as she Continues divided into so many Governments under Republican Constitutions,
She cannot have the Spirit of Conquest, and so long as he has Vacant Lands, She will
not feel the Use or Necessity of it. That Her Commerce however extensive it may be
will tend to the Advantage and by no means be detrimental to these States, who have
Wisdom to serve themselves and make a right use of it.

That the Politician disquieteth Himself in Vain to resist the Course of Nature. That
if America has the inherent Means of Greatness, no power on Earth can prevent their
operations and that their attempt like that of England will rather promote than retard
it.

That it is Impossible to say what America may be, but that it is certain that Her
force and resources under the direction of such an Ambitious People as the English,
is the only Matter now to be dreaded by the Princes of the Continent, and that by
Consequence, their only object in View ought to be the Seperation of America from
Her, and rendered totally independant of all, that She may be servicable to all. And
that she may hurt none in future Her Republican Systems should be maintained in the
purest Manner.

I know not, Sir whether my Ideas are Conformable to your Excellency's. I have therefore
put them down shortly on Paper for Correction. I have desired my Friend here to consider
this Subject and if I shall be honored with your Excellencys Sense of it, I will impart
it to Him. I wish the dread of America may not have Mischievous Consequences. It operates
on Spain to a great degree and may have its effect on other powers. It is this which
has I am affraid prevented the proper Exertions to bring about a general Acknowledgement
of our Independancy. I know not the State of Affairs, but I think Spain might and
ought to be made Easy—but I go beyond my Tether.

The Author of the Lettrés Hollandoises3 is desirous of begining his Seventh Volume with some short account of the present
Situation of America. Can your Excellency give me hints that may serve for that purpose?

I suppose the Russian Courier has been long detained at Ostend by violent and contrary
Winds as has Sir J York. The Winds blew for { 152 } three days most Violently at the S West Point, which tumbles a heavy Sea into Plimouth
Sound, where there has been seven Ships laying to Join Darbys Fleet. The Anchorage
is bad there, and we may have news from that Quarter. The Courier del Europe gives
an account of the supposed revolt in America.4 I think it is meant to cover some unfavorable News to the English in Carolina.

[salute] I am with the greatest Respect, Sir your Excellencys most faithful & obedient Humb
St.